Ofsted have reacted very positively after observing a Japanese language class at Madley Primary school in Herefordshire. The school received the following comments in their Ofsted report:

“Pupils explore various religions and cultures, and have direct links with a range of schools around the world. This was typified by a lesson where pupils were being taught Japanese. Not only were they learning the language, but also aspects of Japanese customs and traditions. Such opportunities have resulted in pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development being a strength of the school.“

Madley Primary school started teaching Japanese this year after the headteacher, Lee Batstone, attended and was inspired by the Japan Conference for Schools, held at the Embassy of Japan in March 2014. The school started teaching a Japanese club and has maintained a link with a school in Japan for over a year. More recently Japanese has been linked into the curricular themes, and Japanese lessons have been introduced across Years 4 and 5. Mr Batstone also took part in the Japan Foundation’s recent Japan Group Tour Programme for UK Head Teachers, which he described as a “phenomenal experience,” that “really cemented why I think Japanese is a good language to teach”.